Super Paper Mario

Hands-on with Nintendo's first Wii Mario game! Video!

E3 2006 revealed several new Mario adventures, but it was Super Mario Galaxy that got all the press, what with the Wii hype and all. Meanwhile, the company quietly let slip word of something called Super Paper Mario, which promptly found itself whisked under the rug along with everything else for GameCube. And there it stayed for nearly a year, missing its original release date without a word, leaving fans to speculate whether it had been cancelled, moved to Wii, or would be arriving in its original GameCube form. And even after word arrived that it would be showing up on Wii, Nintendo remained silent on the topic.

But you can't keep a good game down, and Super Paper Mario finally showed up in public today on the show floor of GDC 2007 where localizer Erik Petersen gave us an enthusiastic demonstration of what the game will have in store when it arrives next month.

As the name suggests, Super Paper Mario builds on the N64 and GameCube Paper Mario RPG titles, but with a difference. "I'd say the other Paper Marios are about 80% RPG and 20% action; this one is the opposite," Petersen explained. Gone are the random battles and menu-driven commands, replaced with more traditional Mario platforming -- something that was always present in the Paper Mario games to some degree, but is heavily emphasized here. So while there's plenty of story (which Petersen assures us is up to developer Intelligent Systems' usual standards of subversive humor) the emphasis is square on completing twitch-action challenges.

SCREENS: In the actual game, you are able to switch the perspective on this classic area and move through it in full 3D. [Click the image above to check out all Super Paper Mario screens.]

"It's a love letter to 8-bit games."

Like the classic Mario games, SPM is broken into multiple worlds consisting of several stages apiece. But it's also a more open-ended role-playing experience, so everything is connected via a central hub. Levels (or "chapters," as they're called here) must be completed in sequence, but once a stage has been cleared it can be revisited freely.

This is hardly the only new wrinkle in the gameplay, though. Since SPM is a chapter of the Paper Mario series, it features the usual mashup of 2D/3D gameplay; Mario himself is a flat object moving through a polygonal world. While the world is usually seen from a side-on perspective, it's possible to "flip" the game sideways and look down the length of a level, where objects that seemed insurmountable in 2D space can easily be skirted around in 3D. The Paper Mario RPGs placed their random battles on what appeared to be literal stages, and SPM essentially makes all the world a stage, so to speak. By flipping the action sideways, obstructions resemble stage props -- flat, and simple to move past.

In short, SPM takes a long-standing assumption about 2D platformers and turns it on its side, literally. At one point in our session, Mario reached what appeared to be a chasm far too wide to be leaped, but the presenter turned the game sideways with a press of the Wii's A button to reveal that the hills which appeared to be in the background were actually just wide enough to run along. It's a little like the white blocks in Super Mario Bros. 3, which could be ducked behind for a quick shortcut to the end of the stage, but more fully realized and integrated into the entirety of the game.

Petersen describes SPM as a love-letter to 8-bit gaming, which seems obvious given its deliberately retro visuals -- paper cut-out characters run along in front of pixellated, computerized backgrounds. But it's also present in the level structure... and, of course, in the occasional nods to Mario's history. Just as Bowser could romp through a recreation of the Super Mario Bros. world 1-1 in The Thousand-Year Door, Mario can drop down into a secret recreation of world 1-2. This time, though, he can turn the stage sideways, gaining an interesting new perspective on a classic.

And the New Super Mario Bros. Mega Mushroom concept returns in the form of a power-up that transforms Mario into a giant-sized version of his 8-bit self, smashing up the stages in retro style.

SCREENS: Okay, we're not really sure what's going on here, but it looks fun. [Click the image above to check out all Super Paper Mario screens.]

The characters

Mario is certainly not the only available character in the game. Previous Mario RPGs have given Princess Peach and even Bowser some time in the spotlight, and in SPM they become full-fledged playable characters, each with their own abilities. They lack Mario's ability to turn the world sideways, but Peach makes up for it with a parasol that allows her to float by holding down the jump button. And Bowser is slower and clumsier but compensates with brute power -- pressing down allows him to breathe a gout of flame that can destroy everything in its path.

Since the usual RPG combat is out the window, Mario's companion characters have changed as well. Rather than rushing into the fray with a Goomba or Bob-omb or Lakitu in tow, Mario's instead accompanied by creatures called "Pixies" -- odd pixellated creatures who bestow special abilities. Unlike previous companion characters, Pixies can be swapped out at any time.

For the most part, Pixies appear to duplicate some of the abilities that Mario and his previous companions possessed. In addition to allowing him to flip the game sideways, they allow let him drop bombs. One even lets him point the Wii Remote at the screen to serve like a flashlight, revealing secrets and highlighting points of interest for more information.

That's not the only Wii Remote functionality added in the migration from GameCube. As in previous Paper Marios, attacks can be made "stylish" for extra points. This is done by shaking the Remote at the peak of Mario's jump, causing him to perform ridiculous acrobatics in mid-air. And points actually count for something in this game -- Mario's score is the equivalent of his experience points, and at certain score totals his level increases, alternately boosting his maximum health, strength and other attributes.

In short, our brief time with Super Paper Mario suggests an innovative, imaginative game that brings together series standards and genre tropes into something that looks and feels incredibly original, yet pleasantly classic. The game is out in just over a month, so we'll soon be able to see for ourselves whether or not SPM lives up to its potential.

For up to the minute coverage of the most important panels at this year's Game Developers Conference, check out our GDC Blog.

Comments (40)

If you wanna hate!

go ahead and be haters ya'll but this game will rock! half of you are pissed because you don't have a Wii yet and it is not coming to the cube and the other half are pissed because YOU DON"T GET LAID BECAUSE YOU SPEND TO MUCH TIME BITCHING ON MESSAGEBOARDS ABOUT STUPID SHIT!!!! I'll have my copy monday and enjoy the hell out of it!

uhh...

wow you guys are dix... oh I guess I should hype the game. I heard that the cd shoots out and seeks out the people that say stupid sh*t in the comments section of a game they don't like. Just a rumor. The fact that you guys respond to an article you haven't even read makes it pretty sad.
preordered, can't wait to play this.

pumped

Can't believe I missed this post for so long. Not even gonna bother reading any of the comments as I'm sure many of them will make me want to wallow in a corner and cry for being completely in love with this series. Bring this game on!

It's Not A Rehash When It's From Nintendo!

No, it's a celebration of the past...but when it's from EA they are selling you the same crap over and over again. Nintendo fans are the biggest hypocrites in the gaming world. This looks like a twenty dollar game AT MOST, but the base zomboids will gladly fork over $50 bucks and act like it is the second coming of Jesus. Further proof that the Wii is for suckers.

togar

Game of the decade in the 90s hmmmm... Uhmmm not SFII! Huh some would say OoT of FFIV but thats a new one GTA game of the decade holy crap you need to play some new games because where I come from and everyone else here comes from we like to play Mario do you know why? Because it fun so is GTA; Gta nor SPM are game of the decade hell let the decade be over then decide.

RE:Blah?

Your name says it all. I am talking strictly console game here dude. All of the games you mentioned DID NOT have the "out of hobby" publicity that the GTA series has had. I know that you want to spin it all back onto Nintendo still be relevant, but they are the past. GTA's success shows what the people want. Kiddy games can be fun, but maybe because I am older now I want my kiddy games to be deeper. YOU and all of the Nintendo employees are alone. If GTA came to the Wii, you will starting praising then I bet...

YOU ARE DUMB

Okay, dude. You are so ALONE on this. GTA isn't even the firs game of its kind! There have been way more open sand box world games! And the environment making the game? NO! What makes GTA a great game is the fact of simplistic novelty is so ridiculous, its entertaining! The environment is always the same! A bland generic city! Sure, GTA is a great game. Sure, its somewhat revelutionary. But there are WAY more games worthy of the title "Game of the Decade" Twilight Princess, Halo, Half-Life, Resident Evil 4, God of War, Oblivion, and Gears of War as honourable mention! Or how about WoW? And as for wanting to make the Wii the last Nintendo home console, lets look at sales! Compare DS sales to PSP sales, or better yet, Wii sales to Ps3 slales! Face it, your all alone on this, you are just ignorant to the fact that Mario has a game in almost every genre, and actually changes its formula from game to game, while GTA has not changed its formula since GTA 3! So shut-up, realize your not the only older gamer around, and comlain to someone else.

RE:FunKrusherPlus

Not only are YOU buggin, but must be young as well! If you put Madden with classic like SFII, Mario, Pac-Man, etc., you have to be sick! I see none of you could name a game of franchise that would be the game of the decade. Since you are young, you may not remeber the impact that a SFII, Mario, Zelda or a Pac-Man had not only in the gaming world, but in popular culture. Just like R Kelly is now amongst the elite singer song-writers of all time(with Mike Jackson, Beatles, Billy Joel, Lionel Ritchie, Steive Wonder...), GTA is amongst the greatest of all time games.
You may be young and still playing an outdated Nintendo, but even you know the impact of GTA. Just because it was not on one of your old-time, played out baby machines does not mean that it did not do it's thing. Besides, you people are in the minority. Most of the gaming community knows what's up with the game. Once you see the GTA4 trailer, you will want that game. Myself, like mostly everyone, want the game sight unseen! You know it has to be hot!

nOgar is BUGGING

this nogar cat is bugging. gta is NOWHERE near up there with franchise(s) such as st. fighter
if you want to go with games that define the decade you better look to a sports game/franchise like madden son or even halo.

GTA

You Nintendo employees know you are lying! If the GTA series are not the games of the decade like Street Fighter II was the game of the 90's, then what is? You can't think of anything huh? I know you wil try to insert a Nintendo game here but you know that you can't.
GTA is a totally different kind of game. The character and what he does is not the game, but the game is the game! Or shall I say environment. This makes for endless possibilities! Mario is all about rescuing a damned princess with the SAME, OLD characters all of the time. I know that you people are paid to write hype, but don't lie to yourselves. The minute a GTA game would come on the Wii, you will all praise it then. Reggie was trying to get this "boring" and "repetitive" game on the Wii. Why? Because they NEED it to sell and to help make their BS system look legit in this new gaming age.
You know what the hottest games were this decade. I NEVER got tired of playing a GTA game. In fact, I would play just to run from the law and have a hell of a lot of fun. Rockstar, don't make the game on the Wii since they like to shit on it because they don't have it. Help make the Wii the last home Nintendo console.

GTA

I'm sorry but GTA can't be compared to Street Fighter. Maybe the older GTA games? Cus thats the classic stuff. Yeah the games fun but to be placed on top with the all time greats? I don't know. They remake their stuff too you know? If you wanna go that way with the argument then all games always have to remake and come up with something different. GTA3 had vice city and san andreas, obvious remakes to the same one(GTA3). What did they do? Change the characters and plot? You still went down the street shootin people and stealin cars right? You can't accuse Nintendo when GTA does it too.

Awsome and GTA?!

This game looks really, REALLY good. I have always appriciated the art style of the Paper Mario's, along with their comedic stylings. The only possible way this could falter is if the game turns out to be too short, and then overpriced.
And as for GTA? Okay, games of the decade? No, no way. Plus those games are all EXACTLY alike! open world, on rails missions, shoot people, drive around. THAT'S IT. As where the Mario series has dipped into just about every other genre. I count RPG, multiple sports titles, appearences in fighting games, puzzle games. Hell, there is even an ART game. So next time you say something like all Mario games are alike, step into a game store, or at least think about what you are saying.

GTA

Funny, you little kid Wii fans ALWAYS put the game down when you know that you are all alone in your propaganda. You know that the GTA series are the games of the decade. It is now up there with Street Fighter II, Mario(back in the day) and other al-time greats. You people are mad because the Wii won't get GTA 4 and can't handle it if it could.
GTA 4 has changed with every game. Mario is literally the SAME game but with some 3D 'touches' made to them to make it appear as if there is somethig new. The only people interested are paid for Nintendo internet propagandists, young people who never had the Mario experience, females who don't know any better, gays who are like the females, and a bunch of suckers who still think that they have a next-generation system in the Wii. Aside from the JKF plot, the Wii has to be the biggest wool pulled over the eyes of the average person! Nintendo continues to dupe the public into buying it's remade games from long ago. I don't mean sequels, I mean actual remakes!

Airborne

hmmm...well this is the first mario game on the Wii, and it is a change in style from the last paper mario...there will be one more mario out on the wii by year's end and it will be radically different from super paper mario...how many FPS are on the 360?

n0gar

GTA was boring as all hell. The best part of that game was the radio stations. And you want to see a serise that does the same stuff all over again with only a tiny change? Yep, GTA is guilty too. But not as much as street fighter or megaman, which is by far worse for doing that than any of nintendo's franchises.
As for Super Paper Mario, this game is going to rock hardcore. I can't wait tosee World 1 - 2 in 3D.

Joy!!

My Mistake!

Nintendo does not rehash it's titles, they REMAKE the SAME titles over and over again! Changing a little something on it does not change this fact. Shame on you Nintendo.
You grown men playing a Wii need to stop the GTA hating. GTA is only the series of the decade! Nintendo does not have it, that's why you hate!

Sorry for the double post..

Slight misinformation in the article..

Unless my memory was altered by some sega ninja, the battles in the first two Paper Marios weren't "random" at all... They were triggered the same way battles in Chrono trigger or Tales of Symphonia are: single enemies roam the world that trigger battles ONLY when you make contact with them. The Paper Marios also had the platforming-like feature where physically jumping on the monster or using your hammer would land a first hit in the rpg-esque battle.

Re: Zeecorner.....

I think your the only one in the universe that thinks that way. Sure I will miss the old ways of the Paper Mario series, but this game is pure gold, and the way Intelligent Systems has improvised the 3D Action is superb. Finally something that will remove Zelda from my Wii =)

Looks fantastic!

I never thought that they'd be able to top Paper Mario 2, but now I think that they just might! This looks like a GREAT addition to the series. I loved the part about how the level items were actually stage props. Can't wait for April!

Nogar

shut up you go on all of the articles dissing nintendo. You are a stupid fanboy. While I enjoy this game in the next month along with POP Rival Swords you can go and complain but your loss for missing out.

noger quiet down please

this sound like somethgin new and fun--ever system takes the same character and rehash them--look at snake--or master cheif--the only thing about nintendo is they have images that appeal to the whole gamming world so lay off turd

this game looks sweet and fun

Nogar shut the hell up, sequels and rehashes come from everywhere, theres 5 GTA games on the ps2 and 2 of them were based on the two other games, and they came on ANOTHER system too, theres an example for everything, at least this is a completely different game.

Nagor

Nintendo doesn't rehash anything. They expand on the universe of their characters yes, but they always bring something different to the table. Mario has been around for years because the games are awesome. Thats what everyone grew up on. Same goes for Metroid and all the other big name games. Theyre fun. Its playing old school mario with today's graphics. That's just awesome. If it weren't for that, you'de have to try and make your old nintendo work just to get a feel for playing the old stuff. Its a fusion of both and thats what makes it so great.

Sounds fun to me.

The whole switching perspectives on classic stages from 2D to 3D or vice versa sounds like a lot of fun. Seems like this will kind of be a hyper-evolved New Super Mario Bros. experience. If there's one thing Nintendo consistently does right, it's their Mario/platforming games.

All Nintendo Can Do...

..Is to rehash the same OLD shit! How they manage to survive remaking old games is beyond me. Like I always write, Nintendo is nothing more than a scam artist company now. They should be ashamed of themselves!!!

I've been hyped since Shane posted his impressions on his blog

this is gonna suck...

I am a HUGE Fan of the last 2 paper mario games and this one looks and sounds like they fucked it up, i hate the original mario platforming its so linear, y the hell would i want to play that all over again?